David at The Desert Sun: Thank you for the phone call. I have attached the letter of support from the CVB which provides some additional information on the need for visitor services. Our contract was originally for $72,000 annually, but was reduced down to $50,000 at the beginning of fiscal year 2013/14. Though we received a reduction in funding on our contract, the deliverables under our scope of services continued. Here are a few of our services as per the contract: ·Administration & Operations of Visitors Center ·Staffing and Volunteer coordination ·Public Relations to increase positive communications about DHS events, activities, services, businesses in diverse outlets ·Collection of Visitor Information ·Business Development & Services ·Special Projects, to include integrated marketing, event creation and execution ·Tourism Development to increase visitors and enhance visitor experience ·Cultural Tourism to build on the historical designation and mineral water destination – Cabot’s & Hotels ·Marketing-collateral, collaboration and integration (Social media, Web, print, slogan “Feel the Power of Nature…”) The Chamber has been providing these contract services to the City and actually subsidizing the shortfall in funding to the detriment of the organization. We can no longer operate in this manner, nor subsidize the balance of operating the Visitors Center. We are requesting that the City prioritize our contract, restore the full original contracted amount of $72,000 or continue for 2014/15 at $50,000 with reduction to services & deliverables. Significant results from our services are reflected in destination marketing inclusion, positive PR, and increased TOT & Sales Tax revenues. Our services are specific to Desert Hot Springs but span the region as guests venture to our sister cities. Over the past two years, and as a direct result of the Chamber’s management, the Visitors Center has been consistently providing ROI for this city through translating over 32,000 walk-ins and 4,700 phone inquiries into 10,000 spa and hotel referrals and 8,000 food and attraction referrals. We are talking about real, tangible commerce; hence tax revenue for you to fund the city’s mandatory and essential services. This council’s decision whether or not to fund its own Visitors Center will not kill the Chamber. But all of the deliverables in the current Visitors Center agreement will end. In addition to these losses, if the City chooses to attempt utilizing a volunteer-only structure, the city will incur the full cost of operating the Visitors Center and need to find a way to manage it…or it too sits dark. The Chamber recognizes that the Visitors Center, under Chamber management, is the best mechanism in the City through which the Chamber can be most effective in helping bring economic gains and stability to the city. The Chamber is a vital revenue enhancing and positive image building instrument in the growth of Desert Hot Springs. Respectfully, Heather Coladonato President/CEO DesertHotSprings 11999 Palm Drive Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 Office: (760) 329-6403 Creating a Strong Local Economy • Providing Networking Opportunities • Representing the Interests of Business with Government • Promoting the Community
Posted on: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 19:26:06 +0000
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